Get your manners fit for summer

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(BPT) - Summer is the season for reconnecting with friends, spending time with loved ones and maybe even igniting a summer romance. From shared vacation houses and dining out to concerts and ball games, one or more people usually feel they paid more than their fair share for group outings. Don&rsquo;t let sticky financial situations put a chill in your relationships. With some easy-to-remember tips, you can breeze through summer and focus on what&rsquo;s really important: time with those you care about.

Lizzie Post, etiquette expert, author and great-great-granddaughter of etiquette pioneer Emily Post, has some tips on how to get your manners in shape for the summer, along with ways to get cash back:

Be a gracious house guest

If you&rsquo;re a guest in someone&rsquo;s home this summer, don&rsquo;t forget to bring something for the host. You can purchase a gift, or take them out to dinner during your visit.

The cost for a weekend away can add up even if you&rsquo;re staying with a friend. But if you use your BankAmericard Cash Rewards credit card, you can earn 1 percent cash back on a hostess gift, 2 percent cash back on groceries for a cookout and 3 percent cash back on gas for the trip. For more information, visit www.bankofamerica.com/CreditCards.

Wedding season in moderation

Sharing the cost of a wedding gift with friends is a great way to give the couple a memorable gift without draining your bank account.

Wedding parties (showers, luncheons, etc.) don&rsquo;t always require a gift. Local custom often dictates what&rsquo;s expected. If you&rsquo;re invited to more than one event, you can give a gift at one party and bring small token gifts to the others. Ideas include: a favorite photo in a nice frame or a homemade collection of recipes.&nbsp; If you&rsquo;re not sure whether to bring a gift, ask the host.

No more I.O.U.s

If you owe someone money, it&rsquo;s rude to make them ask for it. So when the ballgame tickets are purchased or the house rental contract comes through, be the first friend to pay.

Settle up by transferring money to friends and family via your bank&rsquo;s mobile app, such as the one from Bank of America. All you need is their email or mobile phone number to securely send money &ndash; no need to find an ATM or mail a check.

Avoid family flare-ups &nbsp;

Identify your role in any summer social situation. When it comes to family, make sure you know: are you the host, guest or is this a joint venture? If you&rsquo;re unsure, you may unintentionally make a faux pas by not paying your share for an outing.

If you follow these tips this summer, you&rsquo;ll be sure to stay on the right side of etiquette expectations, earning appreciation from friends, family and as an added bonus, your wallet.